Recently, audio brand FiiO announced a see-through Walkman-style cassette player. The response has been incredible so it will be interesting to see if FiiO’s next product launch causes as big a stir.
The FiiO DM13 is a portable CD Player with aptX HD Bluetooth, balanced headphone output and USB Audio. The launch of probably the first new portable CD player in more than a decade is an indicator of the resurgence of the CD format which is enjoying an increase in popularity like the popularity of vinyl.
The new DM13 Portable CD player joins FiiO’s CP13 portable cassette player and the recently announced TT13 turntable in what increasingly looks like Nostalgia Corner.
Featuring 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, the DM13 can play nicely with a wide range of headphones including FiiO’s award-winning FT5 Planar Magnetic headphones, the FT3, and new FA19 in-ear monitors.
Thanks to support for aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity, the DM13 can connect to wireless headphones or speakers. The device also has a dedicated analog line-out for using the DM13 with other equipment, such as an existing Hi-Fi, active speakers or a radio/portable speaker with an auxiliary input.
The DM13 has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to eight hours of playback time from a single charge and it also has a dedicated desktop mode. This mode bypasses the internal battery and uses mains power making the DM13 ideal for listening to CDs at home or on the move.
Pricing & Availability: FiiO says the new DM13 portable CD player will be available from September priced at $179 / £179. The player will initially be available in a silver finish with additional colors—red, blue, titanium and black—coming later in the year. The DM13 will be shown for the first time to the UK public at this weekend’s CanJam event in London which runs from 20-21st July.
Key Features:
- Headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced.
- Bluetooth: SBC / aptX / aptX HD / aptX Low Latency.
- Analog Line-Out: Yes.
- SPDIF digital output: Yes.
- USB audio output: Yes.
- Playback: CD/FLAC/WAV/WMA/AAC/MP3.
- ESP Switch (Electronic Shock Protection)
- Desktop Mode.
- Battery life: 8 hours.
